December Tax Revaluation Task Force Meeting

Burke County Tax Revaluation Task Force Meeting Recap – December 2, 2025

The Burke County Tax Revaluation Task Force convened on December 2nd, 2025, to continue laying the groundwork for a comprehensive property revaluation that will take effect in 2027. This meeting marked a significant step forward in the process, focusing on understanding current market conditions and preparing for the implementation of new technologies. The task force welcomed two new members, home builder Brian Smith and seasoned real estate professional Jim Blow, bringing valuable expertise to the group.

A central focus of the meeting was a detailed explanation of the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) system, the software Burke County uses to determine property values. Nomarita Nelson presented a clear overview of how this system works, emphasizing the importance of “sales ratios” – comparing assessed values to actual sales prices – as a key indicator for identifying areas needing adjustment. The task force then delved into data from nearly 4,700 recent property sales across the county, identifying trends within different townships. Discussions also centered on how construction grade and building materials impact property value, particularly in areas like those surrounding Lake James. The group further explored the potential of Eagle View imagery, a new technology providing updated aerial views that can help identify discrepancies between tax records and real-world conditions.

Several key decisions were made during the meeting, demonstrating a commitment to data-driven assessment practices. The task force unanimously approved the agenda and minutes from their previous meeting, then voted to accept both the sales ratio data presented by Nelson and her comprehensive presentation on the CAMA system. This acceptance signifies a crucial step in validating current valuation methods and identifying areas for potential adjustment.

While there were no formal public comments during this meeting, task force members engaged in robust discussion, sharing their experiences and insights related to property valuation within the county. Jim Blow highlighted a key point: a home’s value isn't solely based on square footage, but also factors like location and construction quality. County Manager comments underscored the importance of having a strong team working on this complex project, and Nomarita Nelson emphasized that the ultimate goal is to align assessed values with market sales, ensuring a fair and accurate property valuation system for all residents.

Looking ahead, the Tax Revaluation Task Force has several key action items on their plate. They will continue analyzing sales data for vacant land, refine the clustering of market areas to ensure sufficient data for accurate assessments, and work towards finalizing the schedule of values – a critical component in determining property valuations. This schedule is currently targeted for completion in October or November 2026. The next meeting of the Task Force is scheduled for January 6, 2026.

This revaluation process directly impacts all Burke County residents, as it will determine property tax bills for years to come. The Task Force’s current focus on data analysis, system understanding and incorporating new technologies like Eagle View imagery demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the process is as accurate, transparent, and equitable as possible. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of this important initiative through future Task Force meetings and updates from Burke County government.